KY Reggae Festival Turns 25
Summer Starts with the Flavor of the Islands at Louisville Water Tower Park on May 22nd For the First Time in Event History, Three-Day Festival Begins on a Friday
The Louisville Water Tower will be transformed into a Caribbean paradise this Memorial Day weekend.
It’s all part of the Kentucky Reggae Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and features performances by the region’s top reggae artists.
Other highlights of the three-day event include authentic Jamaican food and cocktails and a Caribbean Vendor Market featuring arts, crafts, beads, jewelry and more.
It’s under way from 5 to 11: 30 p.m. Friday, May 22 (the first time in the festival’s history it has opened on Friday), and from 2 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.
Admission: $12 before 6 p.m.; $16 afterwards. Free for children 10 and younger. Parking is free. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. No pets, food or drinks. A three-day pass is $30 and can be purchased online at www.kentuckyreggaefestival.com.
Here’s a rundown of the entertainment (Band schedule is subject to change):
Friday, May 22:
ROOTS OF A REBELLION (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
This regional touring reggae/dub act from Nashville is a mixture of heavy rock with influences from the Jamaican coast lines and the Southeastern United States.
THE CLIFTONES (9-11:30 p.m.)
This original reggae band from Cincinnati features a unique blend of roots and dance hall rhythms in combination with their 10-member band, which makes for an impressive sound.
Saturday, May 23:
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE (3-5 p.m.)
Louisville’s own powerhouse reggae band is a lively blend of roots, lovers’ rock, dancehall and modern reggae. Their message of positivity is garnering attention near and far.
PATI KELE DRUM ENSEMBLE AND DANCER (5-5:30 p.m.)
Pati Kele (pronounced Pah-TEA Kay-LAY) brings traditional West African music and dance to life with djembe rhythms, African songs and West African masked dancers.
DIMACHINE (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
DiMachine consists of front man Big Bunn, former members of the award winning bands, INDIKA, Dub Dis and Rude Beat, and award-winning vocalist Devon Brown.
PATI KELE DRUM ENSEMBLE AND DANCER (8:30-9 p.m.)
Pati Kele (pronounced Pah-TEA Kay-LAY) brings traditional West African music and dance to life with djembe rhythms, African songs and West African masked dancers.
LAZO & GIZZAE (9-11:30 p.m.)
Honored with awards from industry peers, Lazo was chosen as the Top Reggae Performer of the Year from the internationally recognized Canadian Reggae Music Award.
Sunday, May 24:
DEM REGGAE BON (3-5 p.m.)
A local favorite, Dem Reggae Bon has been around since the inception of the Kentucky Reggae Festival more than 20 years ago.
UPRIZIN (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
Uprizin is led by virtuoso Trinidadian-born steel drummer Lyndon Sorzano. This roots reggae artist began playing the steel drums at the age of 8.
CHICAGO ALL-STARS (9-11:30 p.m.)
This indika reggae band brings strong and addictive music to their fans at each and every show.
For the full event calendar, performance schedule and sponsorship information, visit KentuckyReggaeFestival.com.